Fiorentina have dismissed speculation that coach Delio Rossi handed in his resignation following the team's crushing 5-0 defeat to Juventus.
After the match, fans gathered outside the Stadio Artemio Franchi in a protest aimed at the club's owners, the Della Valle brothers.
Rumours then circulated that Rossi had offered to step down as head coach of the Tuscan club following the humiliation.
However, team manager Vincenzo Guerini has spoken on behalf of the club, who languish in 16th place in Serie A.
"A strong protest is only to be expected and we accept it," Guerini is quoted as saying by Sky Sport Italia. "The club believes it is important to talk to the squad, lick our wounds and find a way out of this terrible situation.
"I've been with Rossi all evening and he was disappointed, but did not resign and we do not intend to lose him. He is an experienced coach and we are all sad at this heavy defeat to historic rivals.
"We've got to work now in order to save the season and stay in Serie A, which is the most important thing."
The defeat means Viola have only picked up four points from a possible 21.
Michael Penkman
